Long-term efficacy and safety of nonablative monopolar radiofrequency in the treatment of moderate to severe acne vulgaris.

BACKGROUND: Acne vulgaris (AV) is a prevalent skin condition known for its potential to cause scarring and psychological distress, often leading to diminished self-esteem. While topical and oral treatments are commonly prescribed, some patients experience treatment failure, adverse effects, or contraindications to conventional therapies. In response to these challenges, laser and energy-based device therapies have emerged as promising alternatives for individuals who fall into these categories, showing considerable potential in the treatment of AV. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the long-term efficacy and safety of a nonablative monopolar radiofrequency (NMRF) in treatment of moderate to severe AV. METHODS: Twenty-four patients with moderate to severe AV underwent a series of two NMRF treatment sessions, spaced 4 weeks apart. To evaluate treatment outcomes, live in-person lesion counts and measurements of pore size and volume, and sebum production were quantified using Antera® 3D imaging system, and Sebumeter®, respectively. Patients' self-assessment data regarding degree of improvement and facial oiliness were gathered. Dermatology life quality index (DLQI) questionnaire was utilized to assess the impact of AV on their quality of life. All objective and subjective evaluations were conducted at the baseline, 1 month after the first treatment, and during follow-up visits 1, 3, and 6 months after the last treatment sessions. Adverse effects were also recorded during each visit. RESULTS: Twenty out of the 24 subjects completed the study protocol. The mean inflammatory lesion counts significantly reduced by 42.86% and 45.71% from the baseline at 3 (p = 0.027) and 6 months (p = 0.032) after the second treatment. Sebum excretion likewise significantly decreased from baseline by 11.62% (p = 0.012), 13.37% (p < 0.001), and 21.51% (p = 0.004), 1 month after the first treatment, 1 and 6 months after the second treatment, respectively. The pore volume continued to decrease by 35% (p = 0.003) and 41.5% (p < 0.001) at 1 and 6 months following the final treatment, respectively. The DLQI significantly decreased from 10.00 (interquartile range [IQR]: 6.50-15.00) to 2.00 (IQR: 1.00-4.75), corresponding to 80% improvement of the index, 1 month after the last treatment and was sustained up to the last follow-up visit. Patients' self-assessments on degree of improvement and facial oiliness also significantly improved following NMRF treatments. The treatments were well-tolerated without significant adverse effects. CONCLUSION: NMRF appears to be an effective and safe treatment for inflammatory AV, with therapeutic outcomes persisting up to 6 months after two treatment sessions.

Exploring Fractional Pigment Toning: A Novel Approach for Treating Benign Pigmented Lesions in Asian Patients With Fitzpatrick Skin Types III-V.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE: Laser therapy has emerged as a widely favored treatment option for solar lentigines (SL). However, a significant challenge associated with this treatment, particularly among individuals with darker skin tones, is the notable risk of postinflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) induction. In response to these concerns, the authors conducted a prospective, self-controlled study to comprehensively evaluate the safety and effectiveness of 532-nm picosecond laser, both with and without a microlens array (MLA), for the management of SL in patients with Fitzpatrick skin types (FST) III-V. METHODS: Twenty-seven patients with FST III-V and bilateral SL on the face underwent randomized treatment. One side of the face was treated with a 532-nm picosecond laser coupled with an MLA, utilizing the fractional pigment toning (FPT) technique, while the other side received treatment without the MLA, following the conventional technique (CT). The FPT technique utilized a 9-mm spot size with a fluence of 0.47 J/cm2 for two passes covering 40% of the area. In contrast, the CT used a 4.5-mm handpiece with fluence ranging from 0.3 to 0.7 J/cm2. Patients received a single treatment and were evaluated for pigment clearance, occurrence of PIH, and other adverse effects at 2 weeks, 1, 3, and 6 months posttreatment. RESULTS: Twenty-seven participants completed the study protocol. Analysis of pigment clearance, measured via 3D photography, showed significant improvement from 2 weeks to 6 months posttreatment for both the FPT technique (p < 0.001) and CT (p = 0.004). PIH occurred in 64%, 80%, 96%, and 88% of cases on the CT side, compared to 8%, 32%, 36%, and 16% on the FPT technique side at 2 weeks, 1, 3, and 6 months posttreatment, respectively. The incidence of PIH was significantly lower on the FPT technique side compared to the CT side throughout the follow-up periods. Additionally, transient and mild hypopigmentation occurred in one participant (4%) on the FPT technique side and in five participants (20%) on the CT side. No other adverse effects were observed during the study. CONCLUSIONS: The 532-nm picosecond laser emerges as a safe and efficacious treatment modality for SL in individuals with FST III-V. Particularly noteworthy is the efficacy of the FPT technique, which demonstrates comparable effectiveness while significantly reducing the incidence of PIH compared to the CT.

Nonablative monopolar radiofrequency for the reduction of facial pores and sebum excretion in Thai patients: A novel approach.

BACKGROUND: Enlarged facial pores are visible topographic features of the skin that have been associated with cutaneous photoaging and increased sebum production. It has remained a common dermatologic concern, gaining a significant number of in-clinic consults. Available treatment modalities often operate on a single mode of action, consequently offering limited and short-term outcomes. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the long-term efficacy and safety of a nonablative monopolar radiofrequency (NMRF) for pore tightening and sebum output reduction in Thai patients. METHODS: Nineteen patients with enlarged pores underwent two sessions of NMRF treatments at 4-week intervals. The measurements of pore volume, skin texture, average pore size, sebum production, and skin elasticity were quantified using Antera® 3D imaging system, dermoscopic image analysis with ImageJ software, Sebumeter® and Cutometer®. Clinical evaluation by two dermatologists was done using blinded clinical photographs. All objective and subjective assessments were done at the baseline, a month after the first treatment, and during follow-up visits 1, 3, and 6 months after the last treatment. Adverse effects were also recorded during each visit. RESULTS: Seventeen out of the 19 subjects completed the study protocol. The mean pore volume significantly reduced by 24% from the baseline at 1 month after the first treatment (p < 0.016). The pore volume continued to decrease by 34% and 38% a month (p < 0.001) and 6 months (p < 0.001) following the final treatment, respectively. Sebum excretion likewise significantly decreased from baseline by 39% (p = 0.002) and 36% (p < 0.001), 3 and 6 months after the second treatment, respectively. Skin texture and elasticity also significantly improved following two NMRF sessions. The objective assessments of the pore appearance corresponded to subjective clinical evaluations. The treatment was well-tolerated without significant side effects, such as dyspigmentation, textural alteration, and scarring. CONCLUSION: NMRF appears to be effective and safe for the reduction of pore size and sebum production, with therapeutic outcomes persisting up to 6 months after two treatment sessions.